We look forward to hosting our members at this month's GBA events!
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ASSET/LIABILITY MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS
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Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting - May 14, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon
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Join the growing group of attendees at the next GBA Internal Audit Peer Group Meeting. Designed exclusively for bank internal auditors, this in-person forum brings peers together to collaborate, share ideas and gain practical guidance on today’s most pressing audit issues. Experts from Elliott Davis will lead sessions on BSA model governance and validation practices, oversight of outsourced loan review providers, emerging credit trends and recent FDICIA changes. The program also includes a moderated roundtable discussion to encourage open dialogue and peer-driven insights you can apply immediately at your institution. Registration includes lunch. Secure your spot today and strengthen your audit program while expanding your professional network.
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GBA Compliance School - April 26 - May 1, 2026, UGA Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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Planned by the GBA Compliance School Board, this premier two-year program equips both new and experienced banking professionals with the tools they need to build, oversee, and maintain a strong compliance management program—all while sharpening leadership and team-building skills.
Program Options Available in 2026:
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Year 1 – Building the Base: Learn the fundamentals of compliance and strengthen your bank’s compliance foundation across all departments.
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Year 2 – Applying the Knowledge: Take a deeper dive into practical applications for lending, deposit, and operational regulations while advancing your proactive compliance strategies.
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ACE Track – Exclusively for Alumni: Continue your learning journey through flexible, customizable coursework and earn credits toward a GBA Compliance School Master’s.
Both Year 1 and Year 2 include housing in the registration fee. Students in all tracks will also benefit from peer networking, leadership development and the opportunity to form lasting professional connections.
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Understanding Bank Performance - Virtual Training in April, July and October
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Join peers from more than 30 state bankers associations around the country in a unique Understanding Bank Performance program, a virtual five-session course designed to enhance your ability to interpret bank financials and key performance metrics. GBA partners with the Washington Bankers Association to make the program available to our members.
Who Should Attend? This program is perfect for new bankers looking to build a solid foundation, as well as experienced bankers seeking to deepen their financial analysis skills.
Flexible & Convenient: Attend virtually, with sessions running Thursdays and Fridays in April, July and October.
Learn more and sign up using the following links:
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Banking Foundations - Virtual Training
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If you have team members who are new to banking or just entering the workforce, we have a host of good online training resources to help get them up to speed. There are more than 100 Banking Foundations courses and nine certificate programs available for:
- Tellers
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Branch Managers
- Universal Bankers and Customer Service Representatives
- Small Business Bankers
- Early Career Lenders and many others.
Check out the full Banking Foundations catalog here, which includes information about signing up. These ABA resources are available for all GBA members.
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LENDING, CREDIT AND UNDERWRITING PROGRAMS
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Rural Development and Lending Conference - May 18-19, The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort, St. Simons
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The agenda has been finalized for the GBA 2026 Rural Development and Lending Conference. Planned by GBA’s Agriculture Committee, Will Moore, WB&T Bankshares, Inc., chair, and Lisa Hodges, Morris Bank, vice chair, the conference will provide updates on peanuts, beef, timber, vegetables, crop insurance and more. Attendees will sharpen their skills, share the latest intel and make essential connections helpful in serving their communities. Secure your spot today!
Thank you to our Platinum Sponsor CSRA Business Lending and Silver Sponsor Point to Point Environmental.
The hotel reservation deadline is Wednesday, April 15, and rooms at the discounted GBA rate may sell out before that date.
Sessions include:
- Peanut Update - Marshall Lamb, Ph.D., research leader, the National Peanut Research Laboratory
- Beef Update - Will Secor, Agricultural & Applied Economics, UGA
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Timber Panel - Dru Preston, Georgia Forestry Commission, Utilization Department and Tim Lowrimore, president & CEO, Georgia Forestry Association
- Crop Insurance - Plenn Hunnicutt, South Georgia Crop Insurance
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Vegetable Update - Jessica Kirk, vice president of operations, Lewis Taylor Farms
- Agricultural Lending in Georgia: Regulatory Updates, Credit Trends and Emerging Risks - Stewart Thigpen, Steve H. Powell & Co.
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Farm Labor - Ellen Hendley, vice president, AGWORKS H2.
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Georgia Banking School - April 26 - May 1, University of Georgia Center for Continuing Education & Hotel, Athens
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There are just a few first year spots left for the 2026 session of Georgia Banking School, GBA’s flagship three-year program that builds the technical knowledge, strategic thinking and leadership skills needed for long-term success. Since 1961, the school has prepared thousands of bankers to lead in every area of their institutions.
Quick Facts:
- Who should attend?
Bankers with potential—your A-players eager to learn and ready to grow. -
When and where?
April 26 – May 1, 2026 | Athens, GA - How much?
$2,700 tuition includes housing, most meals, materials and instruction
Students gain a comprehensive view of banking and build peer relationships that last a lifetime.
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Leadership Conference - July 13-15, The Omni Amelia Island, FL
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Registration is now open for GBA’s 2026 Leadership Conference. This signature event is thoughtfully designed to cultivate Georgia’s emerging bank leaders—equipping them for success while encouraging meaningful professional and personal growth.
Celebrated for its authentic, relationship-driven atmosphere, the Leadership Conference offers a dynamic blend of impactful learning and relaxed connection. This year’s experience is elevated even further as we gather at the newly refreshed and reimagined Omni Amelia Island Resort—an inspiring coastal setting that’s ideal for both productivity and downtime.
Explore everything the conference has to offer—from engaging sessions and networking opportunities to family-friendly highlights like Kids’ Night Out and the Burger Bash Reception and Dinner. Registration packages are available for members, spouses/guests, and children (Two-Dinner Packages are offered based on age), making it easy to bring the whole family along.
We encourage you to secure your accommodations early, as rooms are expected to fill quickly. Helpful booking tips, full conference details, and registration information are all available online.
Exhibit space and sponsorship opportunities remain available, with a range of options to suit your organization’s goals; click here for sponsorship information and click here to see the list of available options. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Associate Members who have already committed their support:
- Presenting Sponsors: CSRA Business Lending, First Stop Health, Point to Point Environmental
- Platinum Sponsors: Anthem, CRS Data, Steve H. Powell & Co.
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Gold Sponsors: FHLBank Atlanta, ServisFirst Bank
- Silver Sponsors: The First National Bankers Bank; McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.; Troutman Pepper Locke; Wipfli.
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Bank PR & Crisis Communications - May 7 & 14 Webinar Series
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Bank communications professionals are invited to strengthen their media and crisis response skills through an upcoming two-part Bank PR & Crisis Communications Webinar Series. Hosted in partnership with the Oregon Bankers Association, this virtual series offers practical guidance for navigating proactive media outreach as well as high-pressure crisis situations. Led by veteran journalists and communications experts Tom Unger and Dave Thompson, the sessions provide a behind-the-scenes look at newsroom expectations and how banks can respond effectively when issues arise.
The first session, Inside the Newsroom, will focus on how to craft compelling media pitches and understand what journalists look for in banking stories. The second session, Inside the Tornado, will guide attendees through building and executing a strong crisis communications plan, complete with real-world case studies and actionable takeaways.
Designed for professionals in marketing, communications, media relations and public affairs — particularly those newer to communications roles — the series offers flexible registration options. Participants may register for individual sessions or the full series, with recordings available for those unable to attend live.
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OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAMS
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Operations and Technology Peer Group - May 4, Methodist Home for Children & Youth, Macon
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It's time to sign up for the spring Operations & Technology Peer Group meeting. The meeting is May 4 at the Methodist Home for Children and Youth in Macon and Jaye Eubanks, United Bank and Operations & Technology Committee member, will facilitate the meeting covering industry hot topics. Participants can help shape the discussion by submitting hot topics during the registration process.
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Information Security Officer 101 Seminar - June 23, Middle Georgia State University, Macon
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This in-depth program explores the growing responsibilities of the Information Security Officer in today’s complex regulatory and cybersecurity environment. Led by Paige Hembree, the seminar will review the FFIEC mandate for the ISO role, best practices and evolving industry standards, and practical strategies for separating ISO and IT management responsibilities.
Attendees will gain insight into cybersecurity management risks and rewards, business continuity and third-party risk management challenges, and how recent cyber-attacks have reshaped expectations for ISOs during a crisis. The program also covers effective communication with employees, customers, the IT steering committee, the board of directors, auditors and examiners to ensure a coordinated security posture. Register today to strengthen your bank’s governance, risk management and resilience while connecting with peers from across the state.
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Bank Security Conference - April 13-15, The Westin Jekyll Island
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There's still time to join bank security professionals from around the state at their annual conference. Designed specifically for Georgia bank security professionals, this premier in-person event will focus on strategic innovations in bank security, delivering timely education on today’s most pressing security challenges. Attendees can expect a comprehensive program covering robbery prevention, emerging technology trends, fraud mitigation strategies and ATM security, along with exclusive insights from industry experts. The conference also features a Bank Security Workshop, offering a deep dive into current physical security trends and hot topics, as well as valuable networking opportunities to connect with peers and share ideas.
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Fraud Academy - Aug. 18-20, Hyatt Regency, Lexington, KY, or Virtual
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This annual two-day intensive hosted by the Kentucky Bankers Association is led by U.S. Secret Service agents, federal investigators and fraud prevention specialists and is designed to equip banking professionals to become the first line of defense against fraud.
The program covers more than 18 fraud risk areas, including check fraud, elder fraud, cybercrime and AI-driven schemes. Attendees will gain insight into how fraudsters exploit gaps in defenses, how to recognize emerging patterns and how to stop threats before customers and institutions suffer losses.
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Can’t travel? A fully immersive live-stream option features real-time Q&A sessions, digital handouts and professional high-definition production. Register online at FraudAcademyHQ.com and strengthen your institution’s fraud-fighting strategy.
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Webinars from National Experts on OnCourse Learning
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Facilitated Online Courses
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Self-Paced Online Courses
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Certificates build the skills necessary for a specific position in the bank and can be taken entirely online as a certificate curriculum. The programs are continually reevaluated and refined to reflect the current needs of bankers in their jobs today and changes in the industry. There are multiple certificates available in each of the categories below.
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Business Banking & Commercial Lending
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Mortgage Lending
- Retail Banking & Marketing
- Wealth Management & Trust
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Executive Education
See all available certificates here. (click "member" status)
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